In Memory ~ Erik Thomas Garoutte

Oct. 9, 1985 - Oct. 19, 2007

Erik was David's nephew and yesterday we attended his funeral. I had never met Erik, he was already in the Marines when David and I started dating, but I knew his name. You could tell his family was proud of him, proud that he was serving his country. To me, he was just a name, someone I had never met, but yesterday I wished I had gotten that chance. I have been so affected by seeing his family and friends grieve for him, he had only just turned 22 and I thought these kids shouldn't have to be burying their friend at this age. It didn't make me feel old to call them kids, it made me feel heartbroken for them. There were five of his friends that spoke at his funeral, sharing memories that made everyone laugh. Apparently Erik had been quite the prankster, so there was actually lots of laughter at his funeral, remembering the good times. Isn't that a testament to the person he was, that people were laughing at their memories, sharing that common denominator that he was the funniest person they knew... he could always make you laugh. They went on to talk about his music, he played guitar and wrote and played contemporary christian music. He was a good listener and you could talk to him about anything.

I never met Erik, but I know that seeing David and his brothers, his dad and stepmom, all of his family, grieving their loss, I was grieving with them. It made me grateful that I have not had to grieve this type of loss in my life, but now acutely aware that it will happen in one way or another. We are not promised another day, it is a reminder to love every day and live each moment with passion, whether it's laughter or tears.

I spent the weekend in DC with Robby, Monica and my mom... I was more grateful for the weekend after yesterday, grateful that we make the time to do things like this. I'll share pictures and stories of the weekend in another post, but this is heavy on my heart today. I wish for Erik's friends and family comfort and peace while they grieve, keeping his laughter and wonderful memories close to their heart.

Obituaries

Zion Christian Fellowship

Los Angeles Times

The Little Things

From my inbox, a reminder to be grateful for all things :) even the little annoyances:

As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone .

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone... all the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment. Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; it may just be that God is at work watching over you. May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose.

Arrrggh! Just call me Ethel

My pirate name is:

Dirty Ethel Vane

You're the pirate everyone else wants to throw in the ocean -- not to get rid of you, you understand; just to get rid of the smell. You tend to blend into the background occaisionally, but that's okay, because it's much easier to sneak up on people and disembowel them that way. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
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Lilies & Tulips

I definitely need my grandmother's green thumb... My tulips were very beautiful, but I'm not sure I took care of them like they needed plus I kept rearranging them... They make me smile just thinking about David though, so I love them :)

The Breast Cancer Site

Click to give FREE Mammograms at the Breast Cancer Site.

A little courtesy please

Please people, for my sanity, since I am a peeved driver as it is... unless you have a bluetooth headset with voice activated calling, that you KNOW HOW TO WORK, just stay off your cell phone while you're driving. Keep both hands available so you can USE YOUR BLINKER WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN. If you have to make a call that is so important it can't wait... stop and give your full attention to your phone, because you're doing that anyway and are oblivious to the people behind you!

I'm asking nicely :) Now, I'm going to meditate on my lilies and tulips and put a smile back on my face.

"Because you make me smile..."

"- Love David". That's what the card said for the beautiful lilies & tulips that I found waiting for me at work yesterday. Do I have love in my life and my heart?? Yes, indeed. Overflowing on a daily basis. I didn't know love could feel this warm and fuzzy and smiley and giddy... wheeeee!!! And all it took was lilies?! Nah, it's the fact that David appreciates that I like the unexpected, something different. He'll never send me roses on Valentine's Day, because that would be too common, but tulips because I make him smile? I LOVE IT!

I love you baby!

I'll post a picture tomorrow once they fully bloom, they're beautiful.

No mood to write

I've been more introspective than usual in the last two weeks and in no mood to write or blog. I'm sure I'll have lots to write about as I digest all the things I've been thinking about. Good news is that the Chargers won on Sunday! :) Here are some pics from the KC game that we went to.